Does a diesel car save you cash?

Buying a diesel car is more fuel efficient and will save you more money compared to a petrol model and that seems to be the thinking of car buyers in the UK.

In 2010 the share of diesel cars sold hit a record high of 46.1% of overall sales for the year. This is up more from 41.7% on the previous year, while shares for petrol models is down from 57.5% to 52.8%.

With some manufacturers cutting the premium between petrol and diesel models and the big price difference on the forecourt starts to come down, the idea of diesel saving car buyers cash could be returning.

But are potential customers really saving themselves any money opting for diesel cars?

In some cases buyers will recoup their diesel premium within a matter of weeks or a few years while others will have to do incredibly high mileages and a number of years before they save any money.